Mushroom Benefits and Side Effects

Cholesterol is not always a bad thing for the body. Your body requires some cholesterol to function properly. But when the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol levels increase, it leads to heart diseases and increases the risk of getting a stroke.

Mushrooms contain negligible amounts of fat (0.34 g per 100 g). Several studies show that mushrooms can help lower the cholesterol levels in the body. Mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans which have been found to possess hypocholesterolemic properties. Studies suggest that beta-glucans prevent the absorption of cholesterol into the intestines thus preventing hyperlipidemia. Preclinical studies indicate that mushrooms consumption significantly decreases the total cholesterol levels (TC) and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. There was also an increase in the HDL (good cholesterol) levels in these animals.

(Read more: High cholesterol treatment)

Diabetes is a condition marked by a high level of glucose in the blood. This happens either because the body is not able to produce enough insulin or the body is unable to properly use insulin. Diabetes can be kept well under control with proper diet and medication. Preclinical studies show that different varieties of edible mushrooms are effective in keeping the blood glucose level under control. A research done on around 10 edible mushroom varieties indicates that certain effective compounds present in mushrooms exhibit potential hypoglycemic effect (lowers blood sugar level). Some of these compounds include various polysaccharides in wood ear mushroom and reishi mushroom, beta glucans in the almond mushroom and alpha-glucan in the hen-of-the-woods mushroom. Although there has not been any clinical study, preclinical studies show promising results.

The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from diseases and infections. Research shows that mushrooms are effective in boosting the immune system. Mushrooms are rich in beta-glucan, a type of polysaccharide. These polysaccharides are capable of boosting the immune system by stimulating the complement system, a part of the immune system that is responsible for improving the ability of antibodies to attack harmful pathogens. These polysaccharides are also responsible for improving the functioning of macrophages and natural killer cells in the body (immune system cells).

(Read more: Immunity boosting foods)

Osteoporosis is a condition associated with weak and brittle bones., Although this condition can affect both men and women, women are more prone to it, especially after menopause. Research hints that extract from certain varieties of mushrooms can be effective against this condition. Several preclinical studies demonstrate that not only mushroom extracts are effective in the prevention of bone loss but also they improve the production of new bones.

Iron deficiency anemia is a treatable condition that is caused by an inability of the body to properly absorb iron. Certain types of mushrooms such as oyster mushroom are a good source of iron. A study done on animal models observed that oyster mushrooms helped increase the level of iron in the blood.

Another study claims that copper is an important element that helps in the proper absorption of iron into the blood and utilization of this iron by the body. Certain types of mushrooms are high in copper content. Therefore, regular consumption of mushrooms will help in the functioning of these copper-dependent processes.

(Read more: Anemia types)

Selenium is an important nutrient that is responsible for various functions such as the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, production of DNA and are also responsible for protecting the body against the damage caused due to free radicals. While most edible mushrooms are naturally low in selenium content. Research suggests that certain wild mushrooms are rich in selenium. Among these species, Albatrellus pes-caprae has been found to have the highest content of selenium. According to a preclinical study, the selenium content in Agaricus bisporus mushroom helped protect the gastrointestinal tract from damage caused due to oxidative stress.

Obesity is a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Obesity can lead to various health complications like high blood pressure and heart diseases. Some common causes of obesity include over-eating, little or no physical activity, and stress. Several studies show that different varieties of mushroom can help lose weight naturally. A preclinical study done to access the effectiveness of shiitake mushroom powder on weight loss reported a hypolipidemic effect (the ability to lower the fat levels in the body). This effect is attributed to the presence of certain compounds such as beta-glucan and eritadenine. It was further reported that beta-glucan has the ability to enhance satiety, and delay the absorption of nutrients in the body, thereby preventing overeating.

Another study demonstrated the effectiveness of chitosan mushroom in reducing fat deposition in the liver. A decrease in the total cholesterol level (TC), bad cholesterol (LDL) and an increase in the good cholesterol level (HDL) were also noted. Balanced cholesterol levels go a long way in dealing with obesity.

A clinical study was done to access if mushrooms are a better alternative to red meat in the daily diet. It was observed that people who consumed mushroom for a period of 1 year were able to achieve a lower body weight and more balanced cholesterol levels..lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference was also observed in these people.

(Read more: Diet chart for weight loss)

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Neurodegenerative diseases result from a damage to the neurons (brain cells). Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease are some examples of neurodegenerative diseases. Research shows that certain types of mushrooms are effective against age-related neurodegeneration . According to a study, extracts from some species of edible mushrooms have neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory properties due to the presence of some bioactive metabolites. Therefore mushrooms have the potential to be considered as a good therapeutic agent in the treatment of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Cancer is known to be one of the leading causes for deaths all around the world. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation pose on-going as well as long-term side-effects. Several studies indicate anticancer properties in mushrooms. Research indicates that the presence of certain biological compounds in mushroom such as polysaccharides,  alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and organic acids are responsible for the anti-cancer properties of mushroom.

According to a review article, different types of mushroom are effective against many types of cancer. For instance, extract from the mushroom belonging to the genus Pleurotus are effective against colon cancer. Agaricus mushroom is effective against breast cancer. It was further suggested that mushrooms inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cancer cell apoptosis (Cell death). These researches show the potential of mushroom in the development of anticancer drugs.

Another research suggests that polysaccharides such as lentinan and krestin present in mushrooms could be responsible for its antitumor activities. These polysaccharides do not directly act on the cancer cells, rather they stimulate the immune system activity against tumorous cells.